[pct-l] Border crossing info for Canadian thru-hikers

[Tamsin McMahon]

I asked the Canadian Border Services Agency whether Canadians had to apply for the same Permission To Enter Canada that other non-Canadian citizens must in order to cross border on the Trail in Manning Park. Turns out we do. Not sure how many Canucks are planning  a thru-hike this year, but I'd suspect there are a few on this list.

I'm not sure how much trouble you'd get in if you don't have this form (can they kick you out of your own country?) but though I'd post this anyway.

Here is the info from the government e-mail I received: 


Thank you for your e-mail inquiry regarding entry into Canada via the
Pacific Crest Trail, British Columbia. The application form (Application
for Entry to Canada via the Pacific Crest Trail) is available on line
at: http://www.pcta.org/planning/before_trip/permits/canadianentry.asp

All persons wishing to enter Canada by way of the trail, regardless of
their citizenship, are required to fill out this form. Once you have
completed it, please submit your application for approval to Pacific
Crest Trail Processing Centre, 28-176 St, Surrey BC  V3S 9R9.
The Centre will conduct the appropriate checks, and if your entry is
approved, they will notify you directly. The form must be submitted no
less than three months prior to departure, and all applications must be
received by the processing centre before June 30, 2009.
All persons entering Canada are required to carry proper identification
such as a passport, birth certificate, driver's license, or armed forces
identification card.
We trust that this information is useful to you. Thank you for
contacting the Canada Border Services Agency.
Internet: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca
E-mail: cbsa-asfc at canada.gc.ca
Canada Border Services Agency
Ottawa, ON  K1A 0L8
Government of Canada | Gouvernement du Canada